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NEW YORK — Chick-fil-A widened its lead over rival KFC as the No. 1 chicken chain in the United
States last year.

Preliminary data from food industry researcher Technomic shows that Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A
held the lead because its locations are much busier even though there are far fewer of them.

Chick-fil-A first surpassed KFC as the top chicken chain in 2012. KFC is still much bigger
globally.

KFC, owned by Yum Brands Inc., has been struggling in recent years, despite a variety of new
menu items such as boneless chicken pieces and snack cups designed to fit in a car cup holder. It
even began testing a more-upscale restaurant concept called “KFC eleven.” Sales at established
locations nevertheless fell 2 percent last year.

Chick-fil-A, which has its heaviest presence in the South, has developed a loyal following for
its fried chicken sandwiches. Unlike KFC, the chain also offers a breakfast menu, giving it another
way to boost sales. Total U.S. sales for Chick-fil-A have been growing steadily over the years and
narrowing the gap with KFC, which has been suffering declines as it trims its store count.

Last year, Chick-fil-A had 1,775 locations and pulled in $5.05 billion in sales, according to
Technomic. KFC had 4,438 stores that brought in $4.22 billion in U.S. sales.

A representative for Chick-fil-A said in an email the company was “deeply grateful” for its
loyal customers as it expands into new markets. A KFC spokesman, Rick Maynard, noted in a statement
that the chain “has seen a lot of competitors come and go since 1952,” when it first opened.

“Col. Sanders wasn’t afraid of a little competition then, and we still welcome it today,”
Maynard said in the email.

Technomic gets its data by surveying companies or estimating sales based on information provided
by the company.